They moved to the training clearing as the sun climbed high in the sky. Lola Sabel pointed to a stone marker etched with a spiral.
"Body Cultivation Sub-Level One: the Root Node at the base of your spine," she said, demonstrating a deep grounding stance. "This node governs your connection to the earth—without it, your shifts will be unstable, your strength fleeting."
She placed her hand on Miguel's lower back. "Feel the energy of the ground beneath you. Let it seep up through your feet, through your legs, to this point. Breathe in time with the wind—inhale for four counts, exhale for six."
Miguel closed his eyes, focusing as she'd instructed. At first, he felt nothing—but then a warm tingle spread from his feet upward, settling at the base of his spine like a small flame.
"I feel it," he said, opening his eyes.
"Good," Amihan said, stepping forward with a bundle of weighted ropes. "Now we test it. These ropes will add resistance to your movements—you must maintain the node's energy while performing the form."
As Miguel began moving through the cultivation stances, the ropes pulling at his limbs, Lila approached again. "They're moving faster than we thought, Elder. Scouts report they've already destroyed two small Aswang settlements to the north."
"Then we train harder," Lola Sabel said, her voice sharp. "Miguel—focus. Every node you awaken is another shield for this community."